Career Timeline of Pete Rose: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Pete Rose built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Pete Rose, nicknamed "Charlie Hustle," was a prominent MLB player and manager from 1963-1989. Notably with the Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine" in the 1970s, he also played for the Philadelphia Phillies, winning a World Series in 1980, and briefly for the Montreal Expos. Rose managed the Reds from 1984-1989.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

April 8, 1963: Major League Debut

On April 8, 1963, Pete Rose made his Major League debut for the Cincinnati Reds against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Crosley Field, drawing a walk in his first plate appearance.

1968: All Star Roster and Top Five Vote Getter

In 1968, Pete Rose was on the National League All-Star roster and finished in the top five vote-getters.

1969: All Star Roster and Top Five Vote Getter

In 1969, Pete Rose was on the National League All-Star roster and finished in the top five vote-getters.

1973: Named National League's Most Valuable Player

In 1973, Pete Rose was voted the National League's Most Valuable Player.

1975: Top Five Vote Getter

In 1975, Pete Rose finished in the top five vote-getters.

1976: Top Five Vote Getter

In 1976, Pete Rose finished in the top five vote-getters.

April 29, 1978: Career-High Three Home Runs

On April 29, 1978, Pete Rose had the greatest performance of his career, hitting a career-high three home runs off three different pitchers, going 5-for-6 in a game against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.

June 14, 1978: Start of Hitting Streak

On June 14, 1978, Pete Rose began a hitting streak when he singled off Cubs pitcher Dave Roberts in the first inning. The streak lasted until August 1.

1979: League Leader in On-Base Percentage

In 1979, Pete Rose led the league in on-base percentage.

April 13, 1984: 4,000th Career Hit

On April 13, 1984, which was the 21st anniversary of his first career hit, Pete Rose doubled off the Phillies' Jerry Koosman for his 4,000th career hit, becoming the second player to join the 4,000 hit club.

August 15, 1984: Rose Traded Back to Reds

On August 15, 1984, the Montreal Expos traded Pete Rose back to the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Tom Lawless. Rose was immediately named player-manager for the Reds, replacing Vern Rapp as manager.

September 11, 1985: Rose Breaks Cobb's All-Time Hits Record

On September 11, 1985, Pete Rose achieved his 4,192nd hit, surpassing Ty Cobb's all-time hits record. Rose's record-breaking hit was a single against San Diego Padres pitcher Eric Show.

1985: First Full Season as Reds Manager

In 1985, Pete Rose managed his first full season with the Cincinnati Reds, leading them to a second-place finish in the NL West division.

August 17, 1986: Rose's Final Career At-Bat

On August 17, 1986, Pete Rose had his final career at-bat, which resulted in a strikeout against Goose Gossage of the San Diego Padres.

November 11, 1986: Rose Dropped From Roster and Unofficially Retires

On November 11, 1986, Pete Rose was dropped from the Cincinnati Reds' roster and unofficially retired as a player. He ended his career with a .303 batting average and a number of MLB and NL records.

1986: Retirement

In 1986, Pete Rose retired with high fielding percentages for both right and left fielders.

1988: Fourth Full Season as Reds Manager

In 1988, Pete Rose completed his fourth full season as manager of the Cincinnati Reds, marking the end of a four-year streak of second-place finishes in the NL West division for the team.

August 24, 1989: Rose's Tenure as Manager Ends

Pete Rose remained the manager of the Reds until August 24, 1989. He had a career record of 426–388 as a manager.

1999: Rose Participates in World Series Pre-Game

In 1999, despite his ban, Pete Rose was allowed to participate in the pre-game introduction of the All-Century team before Game Two of the World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees and received the loudest ovation.

2002: Rose Appears During World Series

In 2002, Pete Rose appeared during the 2002 World Series in a Mastercard-sponsored event recalling "Baseball's Most Memorable Moments". Fans voted Rose's record-breaking hit over Ty Cobb as the sixth most memorable moment in baseball history.

September 2010: 25th Anniversary Celebration at Great American Ball Park

In September 2010, MLB allowed Pete Rose to participate in a celebration at Great American Ball Park commemorating the 25th anniversary of his 4,192nd hit.

June 16, 2014: Rose Guest Manages Bridgeport Bluefish

On June 16, 2014, Pete Rose returned to managing a professional baseball team for one game as guest manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish, which did not violate his ban due to the team being unaffiliated with MLB. Rose coached first base, signed autographs, and saw the Bluefish defeat the Lancaster Barnstormers 2-0.

April 16, 2015: Rose Hired by Fox Sports

On April 16, 2015, Pete Rose was hired by Fox Sports as a guest studio color analyst for MLB coverage on Fox and Fox Sports 1.

May 11, 2015: Rose Makes Fox Sports 1 Debut

On May 11, 2015, Pete Rose made his Fox Sports 1 debut on MLB Whiparound, America's Pregame and Fox Sports Live.

2015: Rose participates in All-Star Game Festivities

In 2015, Pete Rose was allowed to participate in the festivities for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game, held in Cincinnati, and took the field alongside Reds teammates prior to the game.